USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1960-1963 > Part 11
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At this time we would like to thank all those who helped to make this past year what it has been. Certainly no one person can operate a school the size of Randolph High School without the help and cooperation of all those who work for the best interests of the pupils. To those people we extend a heartfelt "thank you".
HUBERT F. GILGAN Principal
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
"Education without guidance would be chaos." Dr. James B. Conant's bold statement stresses the ever-growing, vital import- ance of guidance services to our youth who face the hectic confu- sion of modern living with its rapidly changing standards and opportunities. The role of guidance counselor has come to be multi-faceted, indeed. During the past year, our guidance depart- ment has worked on such projects as job placement, college en- trance, juvenile court cases, and has worked to provide sound advice for students distressed by difficulties in the realms of home, school, health, social, and emotional adjustment.
The availability of "help when help is needed" is, of course, prerequisite to any real accomplishment in this field. The addi- tion of the three new counselors, although the junior high counselor was a replacement, has greatly expanded our ability to help more students more often. Our pupil-counselor ratio this year is 326 to 1, far superior to last year's ratio of some 538 to 1.
Miss Isabelle J. Bennett, Mr. James A. Sullivan, and Mr. Paul J. Royte come to Randolph with rich academic backgrounds and ex- perience in psychology, guidance, and testing. Their efforts al- ready have helped numerous students who, last year at this time, would still have been waiting for a place on an overcrowded inter- view schedule. With the imminent opening of the new junior high school, we must give thought to the expansion of guidance services to that most vital age level for a bit of prevention in the lower grades can pay tremendous dividends in the all-important high school attitudes and efforts.
The time has arrived for the extension of counseling help to our elementary school children, for their youth provides no pro- tection whatever against painful problems of a most serious nature. I have worked with many parents of elementary youngsters, but it is impossible to offer adequate assistance to all who need it.
As one small crate dropped on Storrow Drive can hold up hundreds of cars, so can oneqntreated problem in a little girl's or boy's mind faster and eventually prevent the best efforts of tea- chers, counselors, and relatives in adolescent years. In many of our neighboring communities, elementary counselors work on pupil adjustment, referral of those needing professional assistance, delinquency prevention, identification of the gifted, assistance of the slow, and coordination of school-social agency work.
At Randolph High School, academic endeavor is growing in enthusiasm. Last year's graduates set a record for obtaining college acceptance and job placement. We expect this year's seniors to top that record. Last year, for the first time in our school's history, an outstanding junior was invited to do college work during the summer at Harvard University. As the result of a special agreement with Harvard, we were able to enter their pilot program for this advanced work. Thomas R. Gallagher was accepted with scholarship and represented his school honorably. A similar distinction was won by George Harry East, who
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
received a grant from the National Science Foundation for the study of advanced science at Thayer Academy's Summer Institute where he, too, earned honor grades. At this writing, Ann R. Tucker, also of the Class of 1961, received the first college acceptance under the Early Acceptance Plan ever extended to a Randolph High School girl.
One of the most widely publicized national problems is the college admissions crush. It spells for us a higher obligation to our students, an ever-growing challenge to expand, to purity, to im- prove and enrich our preparation of those who put their trust in us for such preparation. Academic excellence in a high school is never fully achieved. It is a never-ending quest in which guidance stands as the communicating link between college and school. The administration deserves commendation for its furthering of departmental organization, encouragement of testing, and constant interest in the individual student. Our faculty have spent many hours with the department heads studying the latest and the best in college preparation. Finally, our graduates are providing invalu- able assistance by replying to a follow-up study which will give us their candid views on the practical results of our preparation of them for their employment or college work.
The business department continues to prepare students with its traditional competence and completeness. We find that Ran- dolph students are sought out by employers because of their years of happy experience with our graduates. Our students who earn good grades have never had difficulty finding placement in Boston's finest business houses. We have on file many employers' testi- monials to the quality of our business preparation. These excel- lent school-business relations are due almost entirely to the years of capable effort by the Assistant Director of Guidance, Miss Win- ifred Brennan, who was recently honored by the student body as the Teacher of the Year.
Although our Vocational School does a fine job of training boys in auto mechanics, it is severely limited in size and therefore in availability to the majority of interested boys.
Our general course offers no woodworking, metal work, print- ing, electricity, or any other vocational courses to boys who are so inclined. Our obligation as citizens and as educators to these youngsters is just as high as it to any other business or college student. Yet we are able to offer them very little. Each year the Town spends a large amount of money to send tuition students to neighboring trade schools which, each year, are accepting fewer and fewer outsiders.
On behalf of hundreds of boys and girls now in our elementary schools, I urge strongly Randolph's continued support of and par - ticipation in the project to bring a state - sponsored, regional voca- tional school to this area, in which movement our administrators were early leaders. Few communities of our size can afford to offer every trade subject. Yet, together with our neighboring towns, we can offer a vastly superior, complete vocational pro- gram. It is difficult indeed to expect a boy to do his best in school when he must study subjects which are apart from his in- terests.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
In accordance with President Eisenhower's urgent request, we have acted to enrich our offerings to the academically talented student. By encouraging the giften children in accelerated groups, teachers are free to spend more time with students who should have more detailed explanation and individual assistance. This is part of a national effort in high schools to halt the annual loss of 400,000 bright American youngsters who never finish school or make full use of their fine mental capacities.
The guidance counselor is a friend to every student - when he is up and when he is down. I would take this opportunity to laud Juvenile Officer Charles Olsen for his work in the prevention of delinquency. While guidance plays no part whatsoever in admin- istering discipline of any kind, we are keenly interested in seeing that our boys and girls who fall into difficulty receive every pos- sible opportunity to make amends and to start immediately to adjust to a new and happier outlook and procedure.
Randolph's young people are worthy of our best efforts and sacrifices - as parents, as taxpayers, as teachers. I am grateful to my colleagues of the School Committee, the administration, and the faculty for their support and assistance. Moreover, I am deeply grateful for the eager cooperation of the parents and for the warm friendliness and good efforts of our boys and girls.
T. FRANKLIN GRADY, JR. Director of Guidance
REPORT OF THE READING SUPERVISORS
We have seen the reading program strengthened immeasurably over the last three to five years. The growth and advancement of the reading levels in grades one, two, and three, and consequently in the intermediate grades, has been due to a concentrated phonics program, in addition to the development of specific reading skills through a carefully supervised reading program.
The over- all improvement and advancement of the total reading program has been watched with keen interest by many outside the Randolph school system. This interest has accounted for the num- ber of observers and inquirers from the communities of Easton, Braintree, Plymouth, as well as from school systems in Connec- ticut, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
The accumulated data showing the improvement of reading in Randolph, and the low percentages of pupils coming below the national norms has served to enlighten parents, observers, and new teaching personnel as to the standards, and general perform- ance of the Randolph schools.
An innovation in grades five and six, first on a limited basis, has been the use of the SRA reading laboratory, and later with additional material and further results, the multi-level reading improvement materials were to be used in all fifth and sixth grades
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
in the town. The specific contributions of SRA have been the development of basic reading skills such as increased reading rate and comprehension, practice in habits of concentration, critical reading, appreciation of literature, effective study habits, an ap- proach to new material using the SQ3R method, and vocabulary growth. The techniques employed in the use of this special ma- terial have proven most valuable in their carry-over to the other subject areas.
We have made widespread use of the Readers Digest Skill builders on the various grades levels, as well as the addition of text for the enrichment of the groups within a grade. We are aware of a need to place the emphasis now on certain areas of the reading program. The current year will see our efforts turned toward a revised spelling list, and better creative writing.
MARY C. GAUGHEN BARBARA A. CONLEY
Supervisors of Reading
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Currently, the progressive art program at the elementary level in Randolph is being carried on through the combined effort and understanding between the art supervisors, principals, indi- vidual teachers and the school board.
Today's modern educational system depends wholly on a uni- fied body of individuals working together harmoniously with one goal in mind: that of fostering the individual child's growth phy- sically, mentally, and spiritually.
It is our main goal in carrying out the art program to aid in the development of each child by stimulating and nurturing his innate creative power to think and to have the ability to express artistically his emotions dealing with his environment and his ex- periences. We do not each the children how to color or how to draw. As already stated, it is our primary aim as arts super - visors to help them make the most of their God given powers, rather than destroy them.
The art lessons are planned and carried out on the level of the individual child's understanding and rate of knowledge.
Many classes are visited every week, while unfortunately others can be seen only on a twoweek basis. We are fortunate in Randolph to have a variety of materials and supplies affording us the opportunity to carry out our program successfully.
Some of the projects which may be viewed on bulletin boards in the elementary schools and in exhibits throughout the town deal with many phases of art education such as the field of drawing, painting, cut-paper, crafts such as papier-mache, clay modeling, and block-printing.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Mary Walker joined the elementary school system as art supervisor in September 1960.
With continued support and interest on the part of the public, we will continue to strive to enrich our art program to its fullest measure.
JOAN A. BUTURLIA, Elementary Art Supervisor
REPORTS OF SCHOOL NURSES
The object of our school health program is to guide the child's physical, mental, emotional, and social development. This is accomplished by effective teamwork on the part of all concerned with the school child's health and well being.
The health of the child is the primary responsibility of the parents. The school is responsible for the immediate care of the student during school hours. Prompt notification is given to the parent if pupil becomes ill or is injured while in school. For the prevention and control of communicable diseases, it is important that the parents keep children at home at the first signs if illness, because communicable diseases are most contagious during the early stages. Our teachers are continuously alert to symptoms of illness and other health problems occurring in their class- rooms.
Upon entering school, children should have a physical exam- ination by the family doctor or pediatrician, plus a dental check-up, so that any defects discovered may be remedies before the child starts his formal education. Pre-school vaccination is a state law, and no child may be admitted to school without presenting a vaccination certificate. It is very important that each child be immunized during infancy against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and Poliomyelitis, plus booster shots just prior to entering school. Continuing this program for prevention of communicable disease, parents should have the booster shots administered at intervals throughout school life.
In September, 1960 Dr. Philbrook, of the Randolph Board of Health, made arrangements with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for a tuberculin testing program to be held in all of our schools. Much planning and preparation was necessary to insure the effectiveness of these clinics. Approximately 87% of the school enrollment participated in this test and it was most gratifying to learn that not one pupil of those tested showed symp- toms of Tuberculosis. We feel that this program was very worth- while.
Vision tests are conducted annually, and although these tests are an important part of the school program, they cannot be relied upon to screen out all abnormal eye conditions.
Periodic audiometer tests are a reliable means of detecting a hearing loss. All students found to have a hearing defect are referred for further examination. It is important that the school be informed of the doctor's recommendations so that we can help the child make as good an adjustment as possible.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
Recording of height and weight is a useful means of noting growth progress. This, plus physical examinations given at inter - vals during the pupil's school life, helps the school physician to determine the health status of the child.
A prime requirement of healthy growth and physical fitness is good nutriti on and regular eating habits. Many children eat a faulty or insufficient breakfast which causes morning fatigue there - by resulting in decreased efficiency in class room work. Our well conducted school lunch program provides a balanced diet, and also teaches the students the principles of good nutrition.
Modifications, based upon the physical condition of the handi- capped child, are made whenever possible to enable the child to make a better adjustment to his environment. Students at home are given instructions by a home teacher.
With the cooperation of the school personnel, state and commu- nity agencies, parents' understanding and appreciation of their role, we will reach the goals of the school health program.
HELEN F. CONLON, R. N. SIGNE HEATH, R.N. MARY A. McGRORY, R.N.
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
AND ATHLETICS
Dr. James B. Conant has made two significant talks this year. The following excerpts from these twoformal presentations are of extreme interest.
"I am also convinced that ideally a period of physical educa- tion should be required for all pupils in grades 1 through 12 every day, though the length of the period might well be shorter in the lower grades. From what I have heard, drastic revisions of the physical education course may be in order in many schools.
"The early adolescent period as I need not remind you is in- deed a very special one physically, emotionally, and mentally.
"There are a few more points I should note about this pro- gram. First I gather that relatively few schools schedule physical education every day. From what I heard, drastic revisions of the physical education program may be in order in many schools be- fore the idea of 5 periods a week can be achieved. The 6 period day will stand in the way of physical education every day.
"Having spoken at length about pedagogic matters, I should stress the importance of activities and facilities that promote the social as well as the academic development of children in grades 7 and 8. Dramatics, musical activities in the form of chorus and orchestras, intramural athletics, dances, these have their place in the transitional years of grades 7 and 8. A gymnasium and auditorium become necessities."
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
These excerpts of Dr. James B. Conant reflect the necessity of a drastic change, not only in the randolph Schools, but in 90% of all school systems. I am of the opinion that we need more person- nel for the grade schools and instead of one period a week of 30 minutes duration, I prefer at least two periods a week and better still to have permanent Physical Education instructors in our larger grade schools. We are at the crossroad of deciding whether to have a beneficial physical education program for the children of our schools or stand still while the town grows.
Facilities are limited in Randolph and although the town has doubled in the last 10 years facilities have stayed about the same and we are sadly in need of expanding the program for the youth and adults of the town. Clearly then this is a subject which affects us all. The purpose of education is not just to make a living, still less to make an easy living, but to enable life to be lived more fully, the 3R's and knowledge of the world of yesterday and today must be taught, but children must be helped in their physical and spiritual development, too.
JOSEPH J. ZAPUSTAS
Director of Physical Education and Athletics
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
The Music Department this past year has continued to expand in terms of increased participation in music activities.
The High School Band, numbering 53, continues to rehearse after school because of double session. The band appeared many times during the year giving concerts, performing at all football games and marching in various parades. Outstanding band mem- bers were selected to participate in S. E. M.S. B. A., the Southeastern District Festival, and All-State.
The Dance Band, composed of 16 high school band members and rehearsing 2 hours a week after school, played at school dances and other functions.
The Chorus, numbering 75 students, participated in several concerts. The outstanding singers were selected to perform in the S.E. M.S.B.A., Distrist, and State choruses. "Pinafore", the second in a series of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, was also per- formed by the group.
The Junior High program has shown the greatest increase in participation despite the fact that, because of double sessions, all musical activities are outside school time.
The Junior High program has increased to 90 members, the Girl's chorus increased to 175, and the Boy's chorus now stands at 48 members.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
The culmination of the year's work was the Spring Concert and participation in the Southeastern Music Festival.
In addition to the regular Junior High program, Instrumental classes are held for the Special Class students who are now at the Junior High School.
There are elementary school bands at the Stetson, Devine, Lyons, Belcher, Tower Hill and McNeil Elementary Schools plus an instrumental program at the Pauline School. These groups combine for the Memorial Day parade to form one band of 185 musicians.
In addition to the regular elementary band program there are Select Elementary Glee Clubs in the Lyons, Devine and Stetson Schools which rehearse each week.
This year, due to the tremendous numbers involved, the All- Town Elementary Concert was replaced by separate concerts by each elementary school. Each grade level, grade 3 flutophones, the individual bands and glee clubs participated, demonstrating the results of their musical training.
Mrs. Marie Volpe resigned her position as Elementary Super - visor in April and was replaced by Mr. Carl Leone for the remain- der of the school year.
In September, Miss Castella Root joined the Music Department to replace Mrs. Volpe as Elementary Supervisor.
We are making progress in the acquisition of new equipment for the Music program, however, additional equipment and per- sonnel are still necessary to bring the Music Department up to de- sired standards.
ROBERT M. LACEY, Director of Music Education
RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1960 -- 1961
Sept. 6, 1960
Teachers Meeting
Sept. 7, 1960 School opens - Grades 7 - 12
Sept. 8, 1960 School opens - Grades 1 - 6
Oct. 12, 1960 Columbus Day
Oct. 28, 1960
Norfolk County Teachers' Convention
Nov. 11, 1960
Veteran's Day
Nov. 23, 1960
School close for Thanksgiving Recess - A full day of school.
Nov. 28, 1960
Schools Reopen
Dec. 22, 1960
Schools close for Christmas Vacation - Afull day of school.
Jan.
3, 1960
Schools reopen
Feb. 17, 1961
Schools close for Winter Vacation
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Feb. 27, 1961
Schools reopen
Mar. 31, 1961
Good Friday
Apr. 14, 1961
Schools close for Spring Vacation
Apr. 24, 1961 Schools reopen
May 30, 1961 Memorial Day
June 22, 1961 Schools close - all grades
"NO SCHOOL SIGNALS"
The "no school" policy followed by the Randolph School De- partment is in the interest of the welfare of all of the school children. The calling off of schools depends not only on weather conditions at the opening time of school, but also on the condition of sidewalks and streets. We recognize only too well the lack of sidewalks and sidewalk plowing in Randolph, yet these same con- ditions are also found in many surrounding communities.
When the school session is not cancelled, the ultimate deci- sion as to whether or not the individual child will attend school is the parent's, for the parent best knows the ability of his child to go to and from school safely. On bad days, caution your child to be most careful in observing all safety rules.
Radio announcements of "No School" will be made from sta- tions WBET (1460), WJDA (1300), WCOP (1150), WBZ (1030), and WHDH (850) at 6:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Keep tuned to these radio stations and you will be the first to know about "no school." We are deeply indebted to these stations, for their free services.
A recorded message regarding "No School" announcements may be heard by dialing WOodlawn 3-5420 on days when it seems probable that school may be cancelled.
Do NOT call the homes of the Superintendent, or Assistant Superintendent of Schools, for they are occupied in calling the radio stations. Do NOT call the Fire Department or the Police Depart- ment, for in so doing you may endanger the lives or welfare of others who might be trying to make an emergency call to these facilities.
SCHOOL STATISTICS - JUNE 30, 1960
Population - Randolph Census
18,794
Valuation
$ 33,073,620
School Enrollment
4,051
Average Membership
3,995
Average Daily Attendance
3,722
Average number of days in session in all schools
180
Average cost per pupil in all Randolph Schools
$254.34
Non-resident pupils (1/2 year or more in attendance)
43
Number of teachers and principals
156
Number of Supervisors
10
Number of School Doctors
3
Number of School Nurses
3
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS
STUDENTS ATTENDING VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Brockton Day Trade
7
Brockton Evening Trade
4
Quincy Day Trade
9
Quincy Evening Trade
7
Boston Day Trade (Boys)
2
Boston Trade (Girls)
1
Boston Evening Trade
21
Somerville Trade Day
1
Charlestown Day Trade
1
Henry O. Peabody Day
5
Brockton Adult Civic
1
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Children absent from school five or more days, because of a contagious disease, or because of illness of an unknown nature must obtain a health certificate from the School Physician or their own attending physician before they may return to school.
ENTERING AGE TO GRADE ONE
A child who will reach his 6th birthday on or before January 2nd, following his entrance into school, will be eligible to enter grade one.
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